Sustainability Outlook Headlines

Relief to developers: Government relaxes norms for building solar plants

In a move that might provide some relief to solar power plant developers, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has relaxed time lines for land acquisition, financial closure and the commissioning period for solar projects. For forthcoming projects, land acquisition documents would now have to be submitted within 12 months from signing power purchase agreement (PPA), instead of seven months mandated in the August 2017 guidelines. Similarly, the proof of financial closure and funding arrangements... Read more..

Government to rope in nodal agencies for electric vehicle infrastructure

The government plans to appoint state-owned power distribution companies, central public sector undertakings and municipal corporations as nodal agencies for setting up a minimum skeleton network of more than 4,000 electric vehicle charging infrastructure in identified cities and highways.

The Centre is working on a policy for electric vehicle charging infrastructure as per which the designated government... Read more..

Electric vehicle manufacturers urge govt to make short-term policies to help industry

The Society of Electric Vehicles Manufacturers (SMEV) has urged the union government to make policies that will help manufacturers in the short-term—starting with a period of three months to three years at the maximum—as that will give clarity to companies that have already invested in the developing and manufacturing of electric vehicles in India.

The electric vehicle manufacturers will also submit their... Read more..

India and France building strong clean energy partnership: Sushma Swaraj

India and France are working to shape a strong development partnership, including in the fields of science and technology, clean energy and infrastructure, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said as she met the country's top leadership and discussed issues of mutual interest from a strategic perspective.... Read more..

Jaisalmer Military Station to be developed as smart facility with solar, LED lighting

The Indian Army has drawn a detailed plan to develop the Jaisalmer Military Station as a smart facility on the lines of Centre's Smart Cities, an official said on Monday. The plan has been formulated in consonance with the eight key areas identified by the Central government for the development of smart cities, defence... Read more..

750 MW solar park to come up in Anantapur district

Energy firms Sprng Energy, Ayana and SoftBank Energy will set up a 750 MW Solar Power Park at NP Kunta in Anantapur district soon. It has been targeted to complete works within 8 to 10 months and start power production from the NP Kunta Solar Power Park.

... Read more..

India’s power ministry increases renewable purchase obligation target to 21% by 2022

The Narendra Modi government is pushing the country’s big power consumers to increase the share of renewables in their overall power mix.

India’s power ministry has increased the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) target from 17% now to 21% by 2022. The RPO mandates state power-distribution companies and certain other private firms to procure a part of their power requirement from renewable sources.... Read more..

NTPC inks pact with Noida Authority to use treated sewage water at Dadri plant

NTPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Noida Authority on June 14, 2018, at for the supply of 80 million litres per day treated sewage water to the NTPC Dadri power plant.  (Representational image)

State-run power major NTPC today said it has signed a pact with the Noida Authority to use treated sewage water at its Dadri power plant. 

... Read more..

PPCB raids industrial units to check noise, air pollution

To check the noise and air pollution caused due to the industrial units, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on Monday inspected several industrial units under the Tandarust Punjab Mission.

Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Varinder Kumar Sharma said these actions were taken following the complaints of locals regarding air and noise pollution. He said a team led by Assistant Environmental Engineer Sandeep... Read more..

Pollution in Bandi river: NGT seeks report from Divisional Commissioner

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today directed the divisional commissioner, Jodhpur, to submit a report on the steps taken by the administration to control the pollution caused in the Bandi river by textile units.

The tribunal expressed surprise over the report submitted by Pali District Collector Sudhir Kumar Sharma who admitted that his report was lacking in providing specific conclusions, Mahaveer Singh... Read more..

Andhra Pradesh plans pollution-free energy solutions in Amaravati

The state government is formulating a plan on total energy solutions to meet the energy requirements of Amaravati capital city up to 2025 and 2050 based on world-class practices.

Taking the energy requirements of various sectors-- institutional, domestic, automotive and industrial--the government is focusing on various eco-friendly technological solutions for the greenfield capital city. The government... Read more..

ABB to bring flash chargers to India, can top-up bus battery in 17 seconds

Swiss power major ABB has said it is looking at bringing to India its flash charging product which can top up electric bus battery in 17 seconds at stops while on the go. Although it did not provide any timeline for launching the product, the company said it is keen to do so in line with India’s push for electric mobility. ABB Group CEO and President Ulrich Spiesshofer said at a recent interactive event that the company is bringing its wide range of e-mobility charging solutions, including flash chargers for... Read more..